Interface for renewable energy system

ABSTRACT

An improved interface for renewable energy systems is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels, windmills, standby generators and the like. The improved interface for renewable energy systems includes a multi-channel micro-inverter having novel heat dissipation, novel mountings, electronic redundancy and remote communication systems. The improved interface for renewable energy systems is capable of automatic switching between a grid-tied operation, an off grid operation or an emergency power operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application61/878,967 filed Sep. 17, 2013 and U.S. provisional application61/789,905 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and U.S. provisional application61/789,528 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and U.S. provisional application61/789,132 filed Mar. 15, 2013. All subject matter set forth in U.S.provisional application No. 61/878,967 filed Sep. 17, 2013 and U.S.provisional application Nos. 61/789,905 and 61/789,528 and 61/789,132all filed on Mar. 15, 2013 are hereby incorporated by reference into thepresent application as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to solar energy and more particularly to animproved interface for renewable energy systems such as photovoltaicsolar panels and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

The utilization of solar energy extends back to the 7th century B.C.,where a magnifying glass was used to make fire. Since then, theevolution of solar technology has progressed from strictly solar tothermal conversion systems to the discovery of the photovoltaic effectin the 1800's.

Advancement of the photovoltaic art continued to progress, and in the1950's the development of the silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell became thefirst solar cell capable of producing sufficient power to run simpleelectrical equipment. In 1964 NASA launched the first Nimbus spacecraft,which was powered by a 470 watt photovoltaic array. In 1981 the firstsolar powered aircraft had solar cells capable of producing 3,000 watts.In 1983 a stand-alone 4 kilowatt powered home was completed. By 1999,the cumulative worldwide installed photovoltaic capacity reached 1,000megawatts.

The future of PV technology is expected to produce photovoltaic power tobe competitive with traditional power generation sources within 10years. In order to move toward this goal the cost per watt must beminimized. This requires all elements of a solar power system toconsider both cost and system energy requirements. Since solar powersystems comprise several key components in addition to the PV cell,development of these components also affects the evolution of the entiresolar power system.

Solar panels may be roof mounted on racks and ground mounted with fixedracks which are held stationary as the sun moves across the sky. Inother installations, solar trackers sense the direction of the sun andmove or tilt the panels to maximize the energy produced per panel. Whenemploying solar tracking systems, overall weight and weight distributionbecome necessary considerations which affect system energy requirements.

In order to produce power useable for most purposes, the direct current(DC) produced by the PV cell must be converted to alternating current(AC) having the frequency of the local utility. This conversion isaccomplished by an inverter. A stand-alone inverter is used in totallyisolated systems that normally do not interface with the utility grid.More sophisticated inverters convert the DC to AC at the utilityfrequency and ensure maintaining the AC inverter output in phase withthe utility grid AC phase. Additionally, these inverters must beprovided with an anti-islanding feature which will ensure that theinverter switches off upon the loss of grid AC power.

An inverter dedicated to a single solar cell panel is called amicro-inverter. Typically, micro-inverters are mounted to the back ofsolar cell panel. The weight and placement of the micro-inverter must beconsidered in the overall system design. Solar panels with enabled solartracking require power to move or tilt the panel. Therefore overallweight as well as weight distribution about the center of gravity of thesystem must be considered in order to minimize the energy required tooperate the system. Additionally, the heat generated by themicro-inverters operation must be considered in the design of aphotovoltaic system. Excess heat may cause damage to both themicro-inverter as well as the solar panel itself. Finally, themicro-inverter must be easily adapted to mounting on solar panels havingvarying widths.

There have been many in the prior art who have attempted to solve theseproblems with varying degrees of success. The following US patents andpublications are examples of attempts in the prior art to provide anefficient micro-inverter system for a photovoltaic array.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,410,950 to Takehara, et al. discloses a photovoltaic(PV) panel monitoring apparatus including a monitoring module formeasuring parameter values related to PV panel output, comparingmeasured values against minimum and maximum values saved in themonitoring module and outputting an alarm signal when a measured valueis outside a range defined by the minimum and maximum values. An alarmsignal causes a visual indicator to activate and an audible indicator tosound, thereby assisting maintenance personnel in locating a PV panelwith an out-of-range parameter value. The monitoring module furtherincludes a PV panel identification memory for saving an identificationcode for each PV panel in a PV array. The identification code istransmitted with time, date, and parameter data when the monitoringmodule detects an out-of-range parameter value. Data may optionally betransmitted from the monitoring module through a communicationsinput/output port or through a wireless transmitter to an externalmonitoring and control system.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,106,537 to Casey et al discloses a photo-voltaic (PV)power generating system and a control system for PV array string-levelcontrol and PV modules serially-connected into strings of PV modules.The system includes plural parallel strings of serially-connectedpower-generating photovoltaic modules that form a PV array, DC/DCmicro-converters that are coupled to a DC voltage bus and to the outputof a corresponding photovoltaic module or to the output of a string ofphotovoltaic modules, a gating or central inverter, and a controlsystem. The control system is structured and arranged to control andmanage each string of photovoltaic modules, to ensure that powerdelivered by the photovoltaic power generating system is not affected byphotovoltaic modules or strings of photovoltaic modules that are notoperating at maximum power transfer efficiency.

US Patent publication 20120313443 to Cheng discloses a method andapparatus for intelligently inverting DC power from DC sources such asphotovoltaic (PV) solar modules to single-phase or three-phase AC powerto supply power for off-grid applications. A number of regular orredundant off-grid Mini-Inverters with one, two, three, or multipleinput channels in a mixed variety can easily connect to one, two, three,or multiple DC power sources such as solar PV modules, invert the DCpower to AC power, and daisy chain together to generate and supply ACpower to electrical devices that are not connected to the power gridincluding motors, pumps, fans, lights, appliances, and homes.

US Patent publication 20130012061 to Rotzoll et al. discloses areplaceable photovoltaic inverter mounted on each of a plurality ofphotovoltaic module for the conversion of direct current, produced bythe photovoltaic cells, to alternating current. The inverter is coupledto a mounting bracket on the photovoltaic module such that it can beeasily replaced. Replacement of an individual photovoltaic moduleinverter can occur during continuous operation of the photovoltaicmodule system with minimal impact on overall power production. Theinverter is also mounted apart from the photovoltaic module tofacilitate heat transfer generated by operation of the inverter.

US Patent publication 20130002031 to Mulkey et al. discloses anenclosure design to accommodate and support the unique features andcapabilities of the smart and scalable power inverters or mini-invertersthat have multiple input channels to easily connect to multiple solar PVpanels, invert the DC power to AC power, and daisy chain together togenerate AC power to feed the power grid or supply power to electricaldevices. Further disclosed is a message system using LEDs(light-emitting diodes) mounted on the enclosure to indicate the systemstatus and the status of each input channel of the Smart and ScalableMini-inverters.

Unfortunately, none of the preceding prior art has completely satisfiedthe requirements for a complete solution to the aforestated problem.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved interface for renewable energy system that is a significantadvancement in the solar generating electrical art.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interface forrenewable energy system incorporating a micro-inverter having animproved heat dissipating system.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interface forrenewable energy system incorporating an improved mounting system for aphotovoltaic solar array.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interface forrenewable energy system incorporating an improved remote monitoringsystem.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interface forrenewable energy system capable of a grid tied operation, off gridoperation and emergency power operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interface forrenewable energy system incorporating an automatic transfer switch forautomatically switching between a grid tied operation, an off gridoperation and an emergency power operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interface forrenewable energy system incorporating a multi-channel micro-inverterwith each of the micro-inverters operating independently of theremaining micro-inverters.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interface forrenewable energy system incorporating a multi-channel micro-inverterincorporating a controller for monitoring and instructing each of themicro-inverters and a redundant power supply for the controller.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved interface forrenewable energy system incorporating that is readily mountable on avariety of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic solar array,windmills, fuel cells and the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved renewableenergy system that is easy to cost effectively produce.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved renewableenergy system that is easy to install and maintain.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of thepresent invention. These objects should be construed as being merelyillustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications ofthe invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained bymodifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordinglyother objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had byreferring to the summary of the invention, the detailed descriptiondescribing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of theinvention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specificembodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose ofsummarizing the invention, the invention relates to an improvedmulti-channel micro-inverter for a plurality of photovoltaic solarpanels comprising a container extending between a first and a secondend. An AC power bus is disposed in the container having a plurality ofinput AC power bus connectors and a plurality of input data busconnectors. An AC bus output is connected to the AC bus for connectingAC power and electronic data external the container. A plurality ofmicro-inverter circuits each have a micro-inverter DC power input and anAC power output connector and a micro-inverter data connector. A DCpower connector connects each of the plurality of micro-invertercircuits to the plurality of photovoltaic solar panels, respectively.The plurality of micro-inverter circuits are insertable within thecontainer with the micro-inverter AC power output connector engagingwith one of the input AC power bus connectors and with themicro-inverter data connector engaging with one of the plurality ofinput data bus connectors.

In another embodiment of the invention, the invention is incorporatedinto an improved mounting for a micro-inverter for a photovoltaic solarpanel having a peripheral frame comprising a micro-inverter circuitboard comprising a micro-inverter circuit having a power stage. Acontainer extends between a first and a second end for receiving themicro-inverter circuit board therein. A closure seals with thecontainer. A mounting secures the micro-inverter circuit board withinthe container with the power stage thermally coupled to one of thecontainer and the closure. A plurality of mounting arms mount theclosure to the peripheral frame of the solar panel for transferring heatfrom the micro-inverter circuit board to the peripheral frame of thesolar panel.

In another embodiment of the invention, the invention is incorporatedinto an improved mounting for a micro-inverter for a photovoltaic solarpanel having a peripheral frame comprising a micro-inverter circuitboard comprising a micro-inverter circuit having a power stage. Acontainer extends between a first and a second end for receiving themicro-inverter circuit board therein. A closure seals with thecontainer. A mounting secures the micro-inverter circuit board withinthe container with the power stage thermally coupled to one of thecontainer and the closure. A plurality of mounting arms mount theclosure to the peripheral frame of the solar panel for transferring heatfrom the micro-inverter circuit board to the peripheral frame of thesolar panel. A thermal transfer medium is interposed between the powerstage and one of the container and the closure for thermally couplingthe power stage to the one of the container and the closure.

In another embodiment of the invention, the invention is incorporatedinto an improved mounting for a micro-inverter for a photovoltaic solarpanel having a peripheral frame comprising a micro-inverter circuitboard comprising a micro-inverter circuit having a power stage. Acontainer extends between a first and a second end for receiving themicro-inverter circuit board therein. A closure seals with thecontainer. A mounting secures the micro-inverter circuit board withinthe container with the power stage thermally coupled to one of thecontainer and the closure. A plurality of pivots mount the plurality ofmounting arms to the closure to different sizes of the peripheral frameof the solar panel.

In another embodiment of the invention, the invention is incorporatedinto an interface for renewable energy system for interconnecting aplurality of DC power sources between an external AC power grid and anexternal AC load. The interface for renewable energy system comprises aplurality of micro-inverter circuits each having a micro-inverter DCpower input and an AC power output. A DC power connector connects eachof the plurality of micro-inverter circuits to the plurality of DC powersources, respectively, for converting DC power from the plurality of DCpower sources into AC power. Each of the plurality of micro-invertercircuits has a controller for controlling the AC power from theplurality of micro-inverter circuits to be in phase with the external ACpower grid. A grid automatic transfer switch connects the plurality ofmicro-inverter circuits to the external AC power grid for directing ACpower from the plurality of micro-inverter circuits to the externalelectrical AC power grid. The grid automatic transfer switch disconnectsthe plurality of micro-inverter circuits from the external AC power gridload upon the loss of power from the external AC power grid. Asynchronizing generator is actuated upon the loss of power from theexternal AC power grid for generating a waveform for phasing the ACpower from the plurality of micro-inverter circuits. The grid automatictransfer switch reconnects the plurality of micro-inverter circuits tothe AC power grid upon the reestablishment of AC power from the externalAC power grid. The synchronizing generator is deactivated upon thereestablishment of AC power from the external AC power grid.

In another embodiment of the invention, the invention is incorporatedinto an improved micro-inverter for a photovoltaic solar panel producinga DC power comprising a micro-inverter circuit having a micro-inverterDC power input connected for receiving the DC power from thephotovoltaic solar panel. A first DC to DC converter is connected to themicro-inverter DC power input for converting the DC power from thephotovoltaic solar panel into a first elevated pulsating DC voltage. Asecond DC to DC converter is connected to the micro-inverter DC powerinput for converting the DC power from the photovoltaic solar panel intoa second elevated pulsating DC voltage. A DC to AC converter isconnected to the first and second DC to DC converters for providing anelevated AC power from the first and second elevated pulsating DCvoltages. A regulator controls the first and second DC to DC convertersfor maximizing the elevated AC power from the first and second elevatedpulsating DC voltages.

In another embodiment of the invention, the invention is incorporatedinto an improved micro-inverter arrangement for a plurality ofphotovoltaic solar panels with each of the plurality of photovoltaicsolar panels having a peripheral frame, comprising a plurality ofmicro-inverter circuits each connected to a respective one of theplurality of photovoltaic solar panels. Each of the plurality ofmicro-inverter circuits has a power supply powered by respective one ofthe plurality of photovoltaic solar panels. A controller monitors theplurality of micro-inverter circuits and for transmitting monitoredinformation to a remote location. An interconnecting cable connects eachof the power supply to the controller for providing power to thecontroller in the event of reduced power or failure of one of theplurality of photovoltaic solar panels.

In another embodiment of the invention, the invention is incorporatedinto a monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of photovoltaicsolar panels, comprising a container having an AC power bus disposed inthe container defining a plurality of input electrical power busconnectors. An AC output power connector is connected to the AC powerbus to connect AC power external the container. A plurality ofmicro-inverters circuits are connected to a respective one of theplurality of photovoltaic solar panels. A controller is disposed in thecontainer. A data link interconnects the controller for communicationwith the plurality of micro-inverters circuits. A first digital-analogconverter connects the controller to the AC power bus for modulating theAC power on the AC power bus with the monitored data from the pluralityof micro-inverters circuits. An electrical monitoring and connectivitydevice has a second digital-analog converter located external thecontainer and connected to the AC output power connector to display themonitored data from the plurality of micro-inverters circuits. An inputdevice is connected to the electrical monitoring and connectivity devicefor changing the operation of each of the plurality of micro-inverterscircuits through the AC output power connector.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent andimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription that follows may be better understood so that the presentcontribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additionalfeatures of the invention will be described hereinafter which form thesubject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the conception and the specificembodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifyingor designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in theart that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit andscope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a building structure having multiple renewableenergy sources including a photovoltaic solar array having a pluralityof photovoltaic solar panels and a wind turbine;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of one of the photovoltaic solar panels of FIG. 1interconnected to an improved multi-channel micro-inverter of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the photovoltaic solar panel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view of a container shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 with a protectiveclosure removed exposing the multi-channel micro-inverter of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a container forhousing the multi-channel micro-inverter of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the second embodiment of the container ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view along line 9-9 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side sectional view of the first step ofinserting a micro-inverter circuit unit into the container of FIGS.6-10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side sectional view of the second step ofinserting a micro-inverter circuit unit into the container of FIGS.6-10;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side sectional view of the final step ofinserting a micro-inverter circuit unit into the container of FIGS.6-10;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of one of the photovoltaic solar panels of FIG. 1with a second embodiment of a mounting securing a container of themulti-channel micro-inverter to the photovoltaic solar panels;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged side sectional view illustrating a mounting ofone of plurality of arms to the container of the multi-channelmicro-inverter of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged side sectional view illustrating a mounting ofone of plurality of arms to the peripheral frame of the photovoltaicsolar panel;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged side sectional view illustrating one of pluralityof arms having a variable length;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of the interface for renewable energy systemincorporating the improved multimode multi-channel micro-inverter of thepresent invention interconnecting multiple renewable energy sources toan electrical grid;

FIG. 19 is a logic diagram of the operation of the interface forrenewable energy system of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 illustrates a first example of the circuit diagram of therenewable energy system of FIG. 18 in a first electrical grid-tiedoperating mode;

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram similar to FIG. 20 with the interface forrenewable energy system in a second electrical grid-tied operating mode;

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram similar to FIG. 20 with the interface forrenewable energy system in an off-grid operating mode;

FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram similar to FIG. 20 with the interface forrenewable energy system in an emergency operating mode;

FIG. 24 illustrates a second example of the circuit diagram of therenewable energy system of FIG. 18;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the micro-inverter circuit of the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 is a circuit diagram of the micro-inverter circuit of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a redundant power supply for thecontroller of the multi-channel micro-inverter;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a controller communicating withthe plurality of micro-inverters circuits; and

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a master communication systemfor communication with the controller of the plurality ofmicro-inverters circuits.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIG. 1 is a front view of a building structure 5 incorporating aninterface for renewable energy system 7 for interconnecting a pluralityof power sources to AC power grid 9. The plurality of power sourcesinclude a photovoltaic solar array 10 and a wind turbine 20. Preferably,the photovoltaic solar array 10 and the wind turbine 20 incorporate anenergy storage unit such as a battery array 22 and/or a fuel cell array24. Preferably a fuel operated generator 26 is incorporated into thesystem for emergency operation.

The photovoltaic solar array 10 is illustrated having a plurality ofphotovoltaic solar panels 11-18. Although the building structure 5 hasbeen shown as a residential building structure, it should be understoodthat the photovoltaic solar array 10 may be mounted on virtually anytype of building structure as well as being mounted on a ground surface.

Each of the plurality of photovoltaic solar panels 11-18 is made from amultiplicity of photovoltaic solar cell 19. Typically, each of thephotovoltaic solar cells 19 generates approximately 0.5 volts. Thephotovoltaic solar cells 19 are connected in series-parallel to provideapproximately 300 watts of power at 30 volts.

In some instances, individual photovoltaic solar panels 11-18 aremonitored on equatorial mounts (not shown) for following the movement ofthe sun throughout the day. The structure and operation of an equatorialmount is notoriously well known to those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 2-4 are rear view of the photovoltaic solar panels 11-14 ofFIG. 1. Each of the photovoltaic solar panels 11-14 includes a junctionbox 11J-14J for connecting the multiplicity of solar cells 19 topositive conductor 11+ to 14+ and negative conductor 11− to 14−. Thephotovoltaic solar panel 13 defines a peripheral frame 30 includingopposed peripheral frame rails 31 and 32 and opposed peripheral framerails 33 and 34.

A container 40 extends between a first and a second end 41 and 42. Thecontainer 40 includes mounting arms 43 and 44 shown as flanges 45 and 46extending from opposed ends 41 and 42 of the container 40. The flanges45 and 46 of container 40 are secured to the opposed peripheral framerails 31 and 32 of the photovoltaic solar panel 13. The flanges 45 and46 make thermal contact with the peripheral frame rails 31 and 32 of thephotovoltaic solar panel 13 for transferring heat from the container 40to the peripheral frame 30 of the solar panel 13.

A closure 50 engages with the container 40 to form a weather tight sealwith the container 40 for housing a multi-channel micro-inverter 60within the container 40. Preferably, the closure 50 is secured to thecontainer by a plurality of threaded fasteners 55 for permitting removalof the closure 50 for servicing or re placing the multi-channelmicro-inverter 60 therein.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the multi-channel micro-inverter 60 comprises aplurality of independent micro-inverter boards 61-64. As will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter, each of the micro-inverterboard 61-64 is independently mounted in the container 40 for replacementand repair. The micro-inverter boards 61-64 are secured to the container40 by a plurality of threaded fasteners 66 enabling a micro-inverterboard to be inserted and removed for repair or replacement.

Preferably, four independent micro-inverter boards 61-64 are mounted inthe container 40 enabling 30 ampere wire to be used to connect themulti-channel micro-inverter 60 to an external load or to an externalelectrical grid.

Each of the micro-inverter boards 61-64 has a micro-inverter DC powerinput 61I-64I and an AC power output 61O-64O. The positive conductor 11+to 14+ and negative conductor 11− to 14− of the photovoltaic solarpanels 11-14 are connected to the power input 61I-64I of the pluralityof independent micro-inverter boards 61-64.

A plurality of micro-inverters 71-74 are disposed on the micro-inverterboards 61-64. The micro-inverters 71-74 receive DC power from the powerinputs 61I-64I of the plurality of independent micro-inverter boards61-64 and provide AC Power on the AC power output 61O-64O of theplurality of independent micro-inverter boards 61-64. A plurality ofregulators 81-84 are disposed on the micro-inverter boards 61-64 forcontrolling the micro-inverters 71-74 and for providing communicationbetween the micro-inverter boards 61-64.

An AC power bus interconnects the AC power output 61O-64O of theplurality of independent micro-inverter boards 61-64 in a parallelconfiguration. The combined AC power output 61O-64O of the plurality ofindependent micro-inverter boards 61-64 is provided on a multi-channelmicro-inverter power output conductor 13O. In this embodiment, the ACpower bus is shown as AC cables 71AC-73AC connecting the AC power output61O-63O of the plurality of independent micro-inverter boards 61-63 tothe AC power output 64O of the micro-inverter board 64. An AC cable 74ACconnects the AC power output 64O of micro-inverter board 64 to themulti-channel micro-inverter power output conductor 13O.

A data bus interconnects the plurality of regulators 81-84 disposed onthe micro-inverter boards 61-64 for providing digital communicationbetween the micro-inverter boards 61-64. In this embodiment, the databus is shown as jumper cables 81D-83D connecting the plurality ofregulators 81-84.

A controller 90 is located on one of the micro-inverter board 64. Thecontroller communicates with the plurality of regulators 81-84 formonitoring and setting the parameters of the operation of theindependent micro-inverters 71-74. Preferably, the controller 90communicates with the plurality of regulators 81-84 through an intermicro-inverter network protocol such as RS-485 data link or an opticallink. In addition, the controller communicates with the plurality ofregulators 81-84 for monitoring the operation of the photovoltaic solarpanels 11-14 and for monitoring the operation of the micro-inverters71-74. Furthermore, the controller 90 communicates the monitored datathrough multi-channel micro-inverter power output conductor 13O fortransfer to a remote location by power line carrier communications(PLCC). The controller 90 modulates the AC power with the monitored dataon the AC power output 64O of micro-inverter board 64. The monitoreddata on the AC power exits the multi-channel micro-inverter power outputconductor 13O for transfer to a remote location. The more detailedexplanation of the operation of the plurality of regulators 81-84 andthe controller 90 will be set forth hereafter.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 4. Each ofthe micro-inverter 71-74 has a power stage comprising micro-inverterswitches 71S-74S and micro-inverter transformers 71T-74T. Anon-electrically conductive thermal conductive medium 95 thermallycoupled the power stage of the micro-inverter 71-74 to one of thecontainer 40 and the closure 50. The container 40 transfers heat fromthe power stage of the micro-inverter 71-74 to the peripheral frame 30of the solar panel 13. Preferably, the thermal conductive medium 95comprises a first thermal transfer medium 96 interposed between thepower stage and the container 30 and a second thermal transfer medium 97interposed between the power stage and the closure 50 for thermallycoupling the power stage to the container 40.

The micro-inverter board 61 defines an under side and an upper side ofthe micro-inverter board 61. In this embodiment, the micro-inverterswitches 71S-74S are mounted on the underside of the micro-inverterboards 61-64 whereas the micro-inverter transformers 71T-74T are mountedon the upper side of the micro-inverter boards 61-64. In the example,the micro-inverter switches 71S-74S are shown as metal oxidesemiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) with the metal componentthereof mounted remote from the micro-inverter circuit board 61. A firstresilient thermal transfer medium 96 is interposed between the metalcomponent of the micro-inverter switches 71S-74S and the closure 40. Asecond resilient thermal transfer medium 97 is interposed between themicro-inverter transformers 71T-74T and the closure 50. The first andsecond thermal transfer mediums 96 and 97 thermally couple the powerstage to the peripheral frame 30 of the solar panel 13. The thermaltransfer from the micro-inverters to the container 40 coupled with thethermal transfer from the container 40 to the peripheral frame 30 of thesolar panel 13 eliminates the need for heat sinks and cooling fans forthe multi-channel micro-inverter 60.

It has been found that the use of four micro-inverters 71-74 in a singlecontainer 40 is the optimum for heat dissipation and weight when thefour micro-inverter boards 61-64 are void of any heat sinks or coolingfans. The elimination of heat sinks and cooling fans increases theoverall efficiency and lowers the cost of the four micro-inverters 71-74in a single container 40. In addition, the use of four micro-inverters71-74 in a single container 40 permits 30 ampere wire to be used for theAC power output of the multi-channel micro-inverter 60.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a second embodiment of a container 40A for themulti-channel micro-inverter 60 of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the container 40A extends between a first and a second end41A and 42A. The container 40A includes through apertures 43A. A shield43A is secured to form a seal with the back of the container 40A.Mounting arms 43A and 44A shown as flanges 45A and 46A extending fromopposed ends 41A and 42A of the container 40A for securing to theopposed peripheral frame rails 31 and 32 of the photovoltaic solar panel13 as shown in FIGS. 2-3. The flanges 45A and 46A make thermal contactwith the peripheral frame rails 31 and 32 of the photovoltaic solarpanel 13 for transferring heat from the container 40A to the peripheralframe 30 of the solar panel 13. The container 40A defines a plurality ofslots 48A the function of which will be described in greater detail hereand after.

A plurality of closures 51A-54A includes tabs 51T-54T extending from theclosures 51A-54A. The tabs 51T-54T of the plurality of closures 51A-54Acooperate with the plurality of slots 48A to secure the plurality ofclosures 51A-54A to the container 40A.

Each of the micro-inverter boards 61-64 independently engages a thermalconductive medium or may be encapsulated in a non-electricallyconductive and thermal transfer potting compound 95A. The micro-inverterboards 61-64 are independently housed in the plurality of closures51A-54A.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side sectional view of the first step ofinserting the micro-inverter board 64 into the container 40A of FIGS.6-10. The micro-inverter board 64 is placed within the closure 54A. TheAC cables 71AC-73AC shown in FIG. 4 are connected from the AC poweroutput 61O-63O of the plurality of independent micro-inverter boards61-63 through the apertures 43A to the AC power output 64O of themicro-inverter board 64. Similarly, the jumper cables 81D-83D shown inFIG. 4 extend through the apertures 43A to connect the plurality ofregulators 81-84. An AC cable 74AC connects the AC power output 64O ofmicro-inverter board 64 to the multi-channel micro-inverter power outputconductor 13O.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side sectional view of the second step ofinserting a micro-inverter board 64 into the container of FIGS. 6-10.The tab 54T extending from the closure 54A is inserted into the slots48A.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side sectional view of the final step ofinserting a micro-inverter board 64 into the container of FIGS. 6-10.The closure 54A is rotated about the tab 54T enabling the closure 54A tobe secured to the container 40A by a plurality of threaded fasteners55A. When the closure 54A is fastened to the container 40A by theplurality of threaded fasteners 55A, the closure 54A applies pressure tothermally engage the power stage of the micro-inverter 74 including themicro-inverter switch 74S and the micro-inverter transformer 74T to thecontainer 40A.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of photovoltaic solar panel 13 of FIG. 1 with asecond embodiment of a mounting the container 40B of the multi-channelmicro-inverter 60 to the photovoltaic solar panel 13. The container 40Bextends between a first and a second end 41B and 42B. The container 40Bincludes mounting arms 43B-46B extending from opposed ends 41B and 42Bof the container 40B. The mounting arms 43B-46B secure the container 40Bto the opposed peripheral frame rails 31 and 32 of the photovoltaicsolar panel 13. The mounting arms 43B-46B make thermal contact with theperipheral frame rails 31 and 32 of the photovoltaic solar panel 13 fortransferring heat from the container 40B to the peripheral frame 30 ofthe solar panel 13.

The micro-inverters 61B-64B are approximately ninety five percent (95%)efficient. Assuming an output of 250 Watt per micro-inverter 61B-64B,the total heat to be dissipated by the enclosure is approximately 50watts. To reduce cost, the power output stages of the micro-inverters61B-64B are void of heat sinks and cooling fans. In this embodiment, thepower output stages of the micro-inverter 61B-64B are distributed aboutremote portions of the container 40B for distributing the heat of thepower output stages. Mounting the container 40B in the geometric centerof the solar panel frame 30 provides better heat distribution for thepower outputs and for the photovoltaic solar panel 13.

The container 40B is mounted in the geometric center of the peripheralframe 30 to insure the center of mass of the container 40B coincidentwith the center of mass of the photovoltaic solar panel 13. Thecoincidence of the center of mass of the container 40B and thephotovoltaic solar panel 13 provides a superior weight distribution inthe event the photovoltaic solar panel 13 is mounted on an equatorialmount (not shown).

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 14illustrating the connection of the mounting arm 46B to the container 40Benabling the mounting arm 43B to pivot relative to the container 40B.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 14illustrating the connection of the mounting arm 46B to the peripheralframe rail 32 of the solar panel 13. The mounting arm 46B is connectedto a bracket 57B by a threaded fastener 56B. The bracket 57B isconnected to the peripheral frame rail 32 of the solar panel 13 bymechanical fasteners shown as self-tapping screws 58B.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate connection of the mounting arm 46B tothe container 40B. The mounting arm 43B includes a first mounting armsection 43C and a second mounting arm section 43D. A longitudinallyextending slot 59B is defined in the second mounting arm section 43D ofthe mounting arm 43B. A mechanical fastener 59C engages with the slot toadjust the length of the mounting arm 43B to the solar panel 13. Themounting system shown in FIGS. 14-17 enables the container 40B to bemounted to different sizes of solar panels 13.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of the renewable power system 100 incorporating theinterface for renewable energy system 7. The interface for renewableenergy system 7 is capable of operation in three modes namely a gridtied operation mode, an off grid operation mode and an emergencyoperation mode. The interface for renewable energy system 7 switchesautomatically between the grid tied operation mode, the off gridoperation mode and the emergency operation mode.

The renewable power system 100 comprises multiple photovoltaic arrays10A and 10B. Each of the multiple photovoltaic solar arrays 10A and 10Bis identical to the photovoltaic solar arrays 10 shown in FIGS. 2-5.Each of the multiple photovoltaic solar arrays 10A and 10B includes amulti-channel micro-inverter 60. The multi-channel micro-inverter 60 ofthe photovoltaic solar arrays 10A and 10B are connected by electricalcables 101 and 102 to a junction box 103. As previously described, thepreferred configuration of four micro-inverters per multi-channelmicro-inverter enables 30 ampere cable to be used for electrical cables101 and 102. The output of junction box 103 is connected by cable 104 toa junction box 105.

The renewable energy system 7 comprises the wind turbine 20 connected toa multi-channel micro-inverter 60. The multi-channel micro-inverter 60of the wind turbine 20 is connected by electrical cable 106 to thejunction box 105.

The interface for renewable energy system 7 includes a switching matrix110 comprising switches 111-114. The switches 111-114 are connected toconductors 115-118. The junction box 105 is connected by conductor 115to the switch 111 of the switching matrix 110.

The fuel operated generator 26 is connected by the conductor 116 to theswitch 112 of the switching matrix 110. The fuel operated generator 26may be any type of generator operating on a petroleum based fuel such asdiesel, gasoline, natural gas, propane and the like. The fuel operatedgenerator 26 operates only in emergency situation and only upon the lossof AC power from the AC power grid 9.

The AC power grid 9 is shown as a conventional external electrical grid120 of 120 volt at 60 Hz. It should be appreciated that the interfacefor renewable energy system 7 is suitable for use with 120 to 240 volt50-60 Hz electrical systems. The external electrical grid 120 isconnected through a conventional wattmeter 122 and conductor 117 to theswitch 113 of the switching matrix 110. Since the fuel operatedgenerator 26 operates only in emergency situation and only upon the lossof AC power from the AC power grid 9, switch 112 and 113 may bemechanically interconnected to prevent the simultaneous closing ofswitches 112 and 113.

The battery array 22 is connected to a multi-channel micro-inverter 60W.The output of the multi-channel micro-inverter 60W is connected throughconductor 118 to the switch 114 of the switching matrix 110. Themulti-channel micro-inverter 60W operates in two modes. In the firstmode of operation, the multi-channel micro-inverter 60W to convert DCpower from the battery array 22 into AC power as previously described.In the second mode of operation, the multi-channel micro-inverter 60Woperates as battery charger for charging battery array 22 upon AC powerappearing on conductor 118.

Preferably, the multi-channel micro-inverter 60W includes a waveformgenerator 125. When actuated, waveform generator 125 produces a 60 Hzsine wave for synchronizing the phase of the AC power produced by themulti-channel micro-inverters 60 in the absence of AC power from theexternal electrical grid 120. The operation and function of the waveformgenerator 125 will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

The fuel cell 24 is connected to a multi-channel micro-inverter 60. Inthis example the multi-channel micro-inverter 60W includes a waveformgenerator 125. The multi-channel micro-inverter 60 is connected throughconductor 118 to the switch 114 of the switching matrix 110.

An electrical service circuit breaker box 140 is connected by conductor119 to the switching matrix 110. The electrical service circuit breakerbox 140 powers a load 145 represented by conventional electrical outlets146. The opening and closing of switches 111-114 connect the variouspower sources connected to the conductors 115-118 to the electricalservice circuit breaker box 140 to power the load 145.

Sensors 150 represented by the sensor box are connected to receive input151 from the interface for renewable energy system 7. The sensors 150monitor the various parameters of the various power sources connected tothe conductors 115-118. An output 152 of the sensors 150 is connected toa switch controller 160 for opening and closing the switches 111-114 aswill be described hereinafter.

An electrical monitor controller 170 is connected to the interface forrenewable energy system 7 for remotely monitoring the operation of theinterface for renewable energy system 7 and for receiving instructionfrom a remote location. The electrical monitor controller 170 isconnected to the interface for renewable energy system 7 by a dataconductor 172. The electrical monitor controller (EMC) 170 communicateswith the controllers 90 of the multi-channel micro-inverters 60 and themaster control 160 by power line carrier communications (PLCC). Inaddition, the electrical monitor controller (EMC) 170 providescommunication with the internet 180 for remotely monitoring, remotelyalerting, or remotely entering instruction from a computer 182 or amobile device 184 into the controllers 90 of the multi-channelmicro-inverters 60 and the master control 160.

FIG. 19 is a logic diagram of the operation of the interface forrenewable energy system 7 of FIG. 18. The logic diagram illustrates theprogram stored in the controller 160 of FIG. 18. The logic diagramillustrates various alternative operations available to the interfacefor renewable energy system 7 when operating in a grid tied mode ofoperation.

Furthermore, the logic diagram illustrates various alternativeoperations available to the interface for renewable energy system 7 uponloss of AC power on the electrical grid 120. The logic diagramillustrates the ability of the interface for renewable energy system 7to switch automatically between the grid tied mode of operation and theoff grid mode of operation. The operation of the interface for renewableenergy system 7 in accordance with the program stored in the controller160 is further illustrated with reference to FIGS. 20-23.

The interface for renewable energy system 7 automatically operates inthree modes. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the interface for renewableenergy system 7 in a grid tied operation mode. FIG. 23 illustrates theinterface for renewable energy system 7 in an off grid operation mode.FIG. 24 illustrates the interface for renewable energy system 7 in anemergency operation mode.

FIG. 20 illustrates a first example of the circuit diagram of theinterface for renewable energy system 7 of FIG. 18. Voltage sensorsV1-V5 sense the voltage at the switches 111-114 and the load 145.Similarly, current sensors I1-I5 sense the voltage at the switches111-114 and the load 145. The controller 160 receives the input fromsensors V1-V5 and I1-I5 and provides output to switches 111-114 inaccordance with the program stored in the controller 160.

FIG. 20 illustrates the circuit diagram of the interface for renewableenergy system 7 in a first electrical grid-tied operating mode whereinAC power is present on the electrical grid 120. The switch 113 is closedfor connecting the external electrical grid 120 to the interface forrenewable energy system 7. The switch 112 is open for disconnecting thefuel operated generator 26 from the external electrical grid 120. Aninterlock within the controller 160 prevents the simultaneous closing ofswitches 112 and 113. Furthermore, switches 112 and 113 may bemechanically interconnected to prevent the simultaneous closing ofswitches 112 and 113.

Switch 111 is closed enabling the photovoltaic solar panel arrays 10Aand 10B and/or the wind turbine 20 to provide renewable AC power to theexternal electrical grid 120 through closed switch 113. The renewable ACpower generated by the multi-channel micro-inverters 60 is maintained inphase with the external electrical grid 120 by the regulators 81 and thecontrollers 90 within the multi-channel micro-inverter 60. Thecontrollers 90 within the multi-channel micro-inverters 60 monitor thephase of the external electrical grid 120 and control the multi-channelmicro-inverters 60 accordingly.

Switch 114 is closed enabling the photovoltaic solar panel arrays 10Aand 10B and/or the external electrical grid 120 to charge the batteryarray 22. The multi-channel micro-inverter 60W operates as a batterycharger for charging the battery array 22. The waveform generator 125 isinactive since the external electrical grid 120 provides a sine wavethat is followed in phase by all of the multi-channel micro-inverters60. The multi-channel micro-inverter 60W operates to recharge therechargeable fuel cell 24.

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram similar to FIG. 20 with the interface forrenewable energy system 7 in a second electrical grid-tied operatingmode. In the event the battery array 22 and/or the fuel cell 24 hasobtained maximum charge capacity as indicated by the voltage on V4, thecontroller 160 opens switch 114 to prevent further charging of thebattery array 22 and/or the fuel cell 24.

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram similar to FIG. 20 with the interface forrenewable energy system 7 in an off-grid operating mode. Upon the lossof AC power from the external electrical grid 120, the sensor V3 sensesthe loss of voltage and the controller 160 opens the switch 113 todisconnect the external electrical grid 120 from the interface forrenewable energy system 7. Preferably, a time delay is incorporated intothe controller 160 for providing a timed duration prior to opening 113for accommodating for transient voltage fluctuations.

Optionally, the controller 160 may opens the switch 113 to disconnectthe external electrical grid 120 from the interface for renewable energysystem 7 in the event of an over voltage on the external electrical grid120 thereby protecting the interface for renewable energy system 7 fromdamage due to an over voltage condition.

Upon opening the switch 113, the controller 160 closes switch 114 andactivates the waveform generator 125. The multi-channel micro-inverters60W converts the DC power from the battery array 22 into AC powerfollowing the phase of the waveform generator 125. The AC power from themulti-channel micro-inverters 60W is directed to the load 145.

Switch 111 is closed enabling the photovoltaic solar panel arrays 10Aand 10B and/or the wind turbine 20 to provide renewable AC power to theload 145. The renewable AC power generated by the multi-channelmicro-inverters 60 is maintained in phase with the waveform generator125.

In the event the photovoltaic solar panel arrays 10A and 10B and/or thewind turbine 20 provide more electrical power required by the load 145,then the controller 160 enables the multi-channel micro-inverter 60W tocharge the battery array 22 and/or the rechargeable fuel cell 24. In theevent the battery array 22 and/or the fuel cell 24 has obtained maximumcharge capacity as indicated by the voltage on V4, the controller 160opens switch 114 to prevent further charging of the battery array 22and/or the fuel cell 24. In the alternative, the controller 160 may openswitch 111 to disconnect the photovoltaic solar panel arrays 10A and 10Band/or the wind turbine 20 and close switch 114 to dissipate excessivecharge in the battery array 22 and/or the fuel cell 24 to the load 145.

The photovoltaic solar panel arrays 10A and 10B and/or the wind turbine20 work in concert with the battery array 22 and/or the rechargeablefuel cell 24 for providing reliable AC power to the load. In the eventphotovoltaic solar panel arrays 10A and 10B and/or the wind turbine 20provide less electrical power required by the load 145 due to clouds,nightfall or the absence of wind, the battery array 22 and/or therechargeable fuel cell 24 provides supplemental AC power to the load.The switch 112 remains open keeping the fuel operated generator 26disconnected from the interface for renewable energy system 7 until thedepletion of the stored DC power in the battery array 22.

FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram similar to FIG. 20 with the interface forrenewable energy system 7 in an emergency operating mode. An emergencycondition exist when the (1) the loss of AC power from the externalelectrical grid 120, (2) the inability of the photovoltaic solar panelarrays 100A and 10B and/or the wind turbine 20 to provide sufficient ACpower to the load 145 and (3) the depletion of DC power stored in thebattery array 22 and/or the rechargeable fuel cell 24.

In the emergency operational mode, the controller 160 terminatesoperation of the waveform generator 125. The controller 160 closesswitch 112 and actuates the fuel operated generator 26. The fueloperated generator 26 provides emergency power to the load 145 as wellas AC power to charge the battery array 22 and/or the rechargeable fuelcell 24.

In the event, the DC power from the photovoltaic solar panel arrays 10Aand 10B and/or the wind turbine 20 is restored, the controller 160terminates operation of the fuel operated generator 26, opens switch 112and activates the waveform generator 125 to return to the off-gridoperating mode as heretofore described.

When the AC power from the external electrical grid 120 is restored, thecontroller 160 returns the switches 111-114 to the positions shown inFIG. 20 with the waveform generator 125 is a deactivated condition. Itshould be appreciated that the interface for renewable energy system 7switches automatically between the grid tied operation mode, an off gridoperation mode and the emergency operation mode while still meetingelectrical safety standards.

FIG. 24 illustrates a second example of the circuit diagram of therenewable energy system 7 of FIG. 18. In this example, the controller160B is a hard wired electrical circuit void of programmable electroniccomponents. The voltage sensor V3 senses the voltage from the externalelectrical grid 120. The output of the voltage sensor V3 is applied to awindow comparator 200 having comparators 201 and 202. The output of thewindow comparator 200 is connected to the switch 113 through delaycircuit 210. The delay circuit 210 eliminates transient voltages on theexternal electrical grid 120 from changing the switch 113.

A proper voltage of the external electrical grid 120 produces a highoutput from the window comparator 200 to close switch 113. An overvoltage or an under voltage of the external electrical grid 120 producesa zero output from the window comparator 200 to open switch 113.

The voltage sensor V3 is also connected through an inverter 208 to anAND gate 210. The output of AND gate 210 is connected to control switch112. A proper voltage of the external electrical grid 120 produces a lowoutput from the AND gate 210 to open switch 112.

A comparator 215 compares a reference DC voltage 216 with the voltage ofthe battery array 22. The output of the comparator 215 is appliedthrough an inverter 217 to the AND gate 210. The AND gate 210 closesswitch 212 only upon (1) the loss of voltage of the external electricalgrid 120 and (2) the voltage of the battery array 22 is below thereference voltage 216.

The output of the comparator 215 is applied through an inverter 217 toan OR gate 220. The OR gate 220 receives an input from the voltagesensor V3. The output of OR gate 220 is connected to control switch 111.The OR gate 220 closes switch 111 when (1) a proper voltage appears ofthe external electrical grid 120 or (2) the voltage of the battery array22 is below the reference voltage 216.

The output of the comparator 215 is applied through the inverter 217 andinverter 225 to control switch 114. The comparator 215 closes switch 114when the voltage of the battery array 22 is below the reference voltage216.

An example of switching circuit suitable for fuel operated generatorswitch 112 and the external electrical grid switch 113 is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,134,820 which is incorporated by reference as if fullyset forth herein.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are a block diagram and a simplified circuit diagram ofa micro-inverter 71 suitable for use with the present invention. Themicro-inverter 71 described is a grid-connected solar micro-inverterreference design using a dsPIC digital signal controller (AN1338).

The micro-inverter 71 comprises a DC to DC converter 71C comprisingplural switches 71S and plural transformers 71T. The DC power input fromthe solar array 10 is applied to primary windings of each of the pluraltransformer 71T. The plural switches 71S are connected in series withthe plural transformer 71T, respectively. The plural switches 71S arecontrolled by the regulator 81. Each of the plural switches 71S producesa pulsating DC waveform in the shape of a positive half cycle of an ACwaveform. The regulator 81 controls the plural switches 71S to producepulsating DC waveforms having an elevated voltage and one hundred andeighty degrees out of phase with one another. Each of the pulsating DCwaveforms is elevated in voltage. The regulator 81 controls the pluralswitches 71S to produce maximum power output from the voltage-currentoutput curve of the solar array 10. A complete technical discussion ofthe dsPIC digital signal controller (AN1338) manufactured by MicrochipTechnology Inc. may be found in technical bulletin for the dsPIC digitalsignal controller (AN1338) which is hereby incorporated by reference asif fully set forth herein.

The regulator 81 is able to throttle back the output of themicro-inverter 71 by the electrical monitor controller (EMC) 170communicating through the internet 180 for remotely entering instructioninto the controllers 90 of the multi-channel micro-inverters 60. In someinstances, the too much renewable energy power is introduced into theexternal electrical grid 120. The electrical monitor controller (EMC)170 enables an external source such as an electrical power company tothrottle back the regulators 81 to reduce the amount of the renewableenergy power introduced into the external electrical grid 120.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a redundant power supply 65P forthe controller 90 of the multi-channel micro-inverter 60. Each of theinverters 81-64 includes a power supply 61P-64P. Each of the powersupplies 61P-64P is connected to a diode OR gate 85 to provide power tothe controller 90. In the event one or more of the power supplies61P-64P and/or solar panels 11-14 should fail, the remaining powersupplies 61P-64P will still provide power to the controller 90.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a controller 90 communicateswith the plurality of micro-inverter boards 61-64. The controller 90communicated with each of the regulators 81-84 through the data cables81D-84D. The data cables 81D-84D may be a PnP, RE-485 or infrared (IR)communication systems. The controller 90 monitors and providesinstructions to each of the micro-inverter boards 61-64. However, eachof the micro-inverter boards 61-64 operates independently of theremaining micro-inverter boards 61-64.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical monitorcontroller (EMC) 170 for communication with the controller 90 of theplurality of multi-channel micro-inverters 60. Lines labeled “L” (Line)and “N” (neutral) are use as media to carry analog data to and from themicro-inverter boards 61-64 installed at or near the solar collectors11-14.

The digital signal controller (dsPIC33) is an Analog-to-DigitalConverter, converting either a Utility Band operating at 6 Kbps(kilobits per second), 72 Khz (kilohertz) utilizing for Forward ErrorCorrection (FEC) or a Consumer Band operating at 7.2 Kbps, 129.6 Khzwith no Forward Error Correction. The digital signal controller is alsoreferred to as a Peripheral Interface Controller or a ProgrammableIntelligent Computer.

The micro inverters 60 installed at or near the solar collectors senddata such as current output, watt output in an analog form which isfirst received by the PLCC Analog Front End. The PLCC pick up the signalthat has been transmitted though the power lines to create an analogsignal that the dsPIC33 can further process. The dsPIC33 sends analogdata to and from the micro inverters 60. Once the dsPIC33 has receivedsome analog data from the micro inverters 60, the dsPIC33 then can sendand receive digital data to and from the PIC24 via I²C. The I²C is anInter-Integrated Circuit bus connecting the dsPIC33 to the PIC24. ThePIC24 is a microcontroller where instructions are stored in thenon-volatile memory called Program Memory the data from the dsPIC33 isstored in the PIC24's Data Memory. The instructions (programs) storedand executed by the PIC24 include HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol),FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), IP(Internet Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), DHCP (DynamicHost Configuration Protocol), ARP (Address Resolution protocol), ICMP(Internet Control Message Protocol), and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).The HTTP (web server) instructions stored in the PIC24's Program Memorygives technicians or homeowners the ability to input and see real timeinformation, such as, power outputs, temperature, and status of thesystem, using a standard web browser. The SMTP server gives the unit theability to send emails to a technician or homeowner when specifiedevents have or will occurred, such as a failure in one of the systemcomponents (solar panel, micro inverter, grid power loss, grid powerlow, grid power restored, etc). The PIC24 is programmed to handle TCP/IPstack which allows for the remote communication using a NetworkInterface Controller (ENC28J60 in diagram). The Network InterfaceController converts instructions to be transmitted over a physicaltransmission media, such as cabling (electric voltages), wireless (radiofrequencies) and/or infrared (pulses of infrared or ordinary light) tobe delivered to ultimately another Ethernet controller. The remotecomputer with an installed Ethernet controller can then view theprograms running on the PIC24, such as HTTP to remotely view real timedata including current Volts, Current output. Status of the system,Temperature of the system, Watts and Kilowatt Hours being produced. ThePIC24 also includes a direct input and output to and LCD/MMI MessageCenter Display

Although the renewable power system 100 has been set forth as a singlephase 120 volt 60 hertz electrical system, it should be understood thatthe present invention is suitable for use with other types of electricalsystems including 240 volt 50-60 hertz grid systems. In addition, itshould be understood that the present invention is suitable for withother types of renewable energy sources such as windmills, water wheels,geothermal and is suitable for with other types energy storages devicessuch as fuel cells, capacitor banks and the like.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims aswell as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention hasbeen described in its preferred form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-channel micro-inverter for a plurality ofphotovoltaic solar panels, comprising: a container extending between afirst and a second end; a plurality of micro-inverter boards, each ofthe micro-inverter boards having a micro-inverter, an AC power output,and a micro-inverter DC power input that is connected to a respectivephotovoltaic solar panel; an AC power bus connected to each of the ACpower outputs of the plurality of micro-inverter boards; a data busconnected to each of the plurality of micro-inverter boards to providedigital communication between each of the plurality of micro-inverterboards; and a power output conductor connected to said AC power bus andsaid data bus and extending from the container.
 2. The multi-channelmicro-inverter of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality ofmicro-inverter boards is independently removable from said container formaintenance; and each of said plurality of micro-inverter boardsconverts DC power from each respective photovoltaic solar panel to ACpower independently from the remainder of said plurality ofmicro-inverter boards.
 3. The multi-channel micro-inverter of claim 1,further comprising a controller located on one of the plurality ofmicro-inverter boards, and wherein each of said plurality ofmicro-inverter boards having a power supply powered by the respectivephotovoltaic solar panel connected to each micro-inverter board, whereineach power supply is connected to said controller for providing power tosaid controller in the event of reduced power or failure of one of theplurality of photovoltaic solar panels.
 4. The multi-channelmicro-inverter claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of micro-inverterboards provide electronic data in a conventional digital format to thepower output conductor for connection to the internet.
 5. Themulti-channel micro-inverter of claim 1, further comprising anelectrical cable connected to the plurality of micro-inverter boards andconnected to an external load, wherein the electrical cable is a 30ampere cable.
 6. The multi-channel micro-inverter of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of micro-inverter boards comprises four individualmicro-inverter boards.
 7. The multi-channel micro-inverter of claim 1,further comprising a controller in communication with themicro-inverters on the plurality of micro-inverter boards, wherein eachof the micro-inverters comprise a power supply connected to thecontroller.
 8. The multi-channel micro-inverter of claim 7, wherein eachpower supply is connected to the controller through a diode OR gate,such that the power supplies continue to provide power to the controllerin the event that at least one of an individual power supply and anindividual photovoltaic solar panel fail.
 9. A multi-channelmicro-inverter for a photovoltaic solar panel, comprising: amicro-inverter board comprising a micro-inverter having a power stage; acontainer extending between a first and a second end for receiving saidmicro-inverter board therein; a closure for sealing with said container,wherein the micro-inverter board is secured within said container withsaid power stage thermally coupled to one of said container and saidclosure; and a plurality of mounting arms for mounting said closure to aperipheral frame of a photovoltaic solar panel for transferring heatfrom said micro-inverter board to the peripheral frame of thephotovoltaic solar panel.
 10. The multi-channel micro-inverter of claim9, wherein said plurality of mounting arms comprise flanges extendingfrom opposed ends of said container for transferring heat from saidcontainer to the peripheral frame of the solar panel.
 11. Themulti-channel micro-inverter of claim 9, including a thermal transfermedium interposed between said power stage and one of said container andsaid closure for thermally coupling said power stage to said one of saidcontainer and said closure.
 12. The multi-channel micro-inverter ofclaim 9, including a first thermal transfer medium interposed betweensaid power stage and said container, and a second thermal transfermedium interposed between said power stage and said closure forthermally coupling said power stage to said closure.
 13. Themulti-channel micro-inverter of claim 9, wherein the micro-inverter is afirst micro-inverter, and wherein the multi-channel micro-inverterfurther comprises a second micro-inverter, a third micro-inverter, and afourth micro-inverter secured within the container.
 14. Themulti-channel micro-inverter of claim 13, further comprising anelectrical cable connected to each of the first micro-inverter, thesecond micro-inverter, the third micro-inverter, and the fourthmicro-inverter and connected to an external load, wherein the electricalcable is a 30 ampere cable.
 15. The multi-channel micro-inverter ofclaim 13, further comprising a controller, and wherein each of the firstmicro-inverter, the second micro-inverter, the third micro-inverter, andthe fourth micro-inverter each comprise a power supply connected to thecontroller.
 16. The multi-channel micro-inverter of claim 15, whereineach power supply is connected to the controller through a diode ORgate, such that the power supplies continue to provide power to thecontroller in the event that at least one of an individual power supplyand an individual photovoltaic solar panel fail.
 17. A multi-channelmicro-inverter for a photovoltaic solar panel, comprising: amicro-inverter board comprising a micro-inverter having a power stage; acontainer extending between a first and a second end for receiving saidmicro-inverter board therein; a closure for sealing with said container;wherein the micro-inverter is secured within said container with saidpower stage thermally coupled to one of said container and said closure;and a plurality of mounting arms extending from the container, whereinthe plurality of mounting arms are pivotally connected to a peripheralframe of a photovoltaic solar panel.
 18. The multi-channelmicro-inverter of claim 17, wherein said plurality of mounting armsmount said container within the peripheral frame of the photovoltaicsolar panel such that a center of mass of said container is coincidentwith a center of mass of the panel.
 19. The multi-channel micro-inverterof claim 17, the micro-inverter is a first micro-inverter, and whereinthe multi-channel micro-inverter further comprises a secondmicro-inverter, a third micro-inverter, and a fourth micro-inverterconnected to an external load through an electrical cable.
 20. Themulti-channel micro-inverter of claim 19, further comprising acontroller, and wherein each of the first micro-inverter, the secondmicro-inverter, the third micro-inverter, and the fourth micro-invertereach comprise a power supply connected to the controller, and whereineach power supply is connected to the controller through a diode ORgate, such that the power supplies continue to provide power to thecontroller in the event that at least one of an individual power supplyand an individual photovoltaic solar panel fail.